Research first! Obtain information about a particular piece of property and any special requirements by providing a tax parcel (geographic ID) number to the Planners at our front counter or by reviewing the information from our website and Whatcom County Code requirements. The best place to start is with our Natural Resource Division who will help you work through the Natural Resource Assessment process. Please contact us if you have any questions. Whatcom County Code

There is no "minimum" size requirement in unincorporated Whatcom County in areas zoned to allow the building of an SFR. Any SFR built is required to meet the International Building Codes and Washington State Energy Codes. The SFR must have water availability approved by the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD), cooking facilities and bathroom facilities. The SFR will need to have sewer hook-up or a septic system approved by WCHD. The structure cannot be on wheels and must be fixed to the ground. The building footprint has to meet the setbacks and any restrictions based on the presence of Critical Areas.

Mechanical permits are issued over the counter at Whatcom County Planning and Development Services. Applications may also be faxed, mailed or emailed in. However, the permit must be picked up in person, unless a payment (cash or check only) and return address accompanies a mailed in application. Mechanical permits

Demolition Permit applications are required if you are removing an existing structure. You must contact the Northwest Clean Air Agency at 360-428-1617 or 800-622-4627 prior to the submittal of your demolition application. Demolition Permit (PDF)

For properties located in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County, you may call or visit our office. We will need the parcel number in order to assist you. If you don't know the parcel number, please visit the Assessor's Real Property Search where you can search by parcel number, address, or owner name. You may also call them at 360-778-5900. Real Property Search

You, as the current owner, are responsible for obtaining the proper permits and having the work inspected. Contact Whatcom County Planning and Development Services to determine which permits and inspections will be necessary.

There is no “minimum” size requirement in Whatcom County in areas zoned to allow the building of a single family residence (SFR). Any SFR built within Whatcom County is required to meet the International Building Codes and Washington State Energy Codes. The SFR must have water availability approved by the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHC), cooking facilities, bathroom facilities. The SFR will need to have sewer hook-up or a septic system approved by WCHC. The structure cannot be on wheels and must be fixed to the ground. The building footprint has to meet the setbacks and any restrictions based on the presence of Critical Areas.

Permits expire if more than 180 days (about 6 months) have passed since the last inspection. When you have an inspection, the expiration date is automatically extended 180 days from the date of the inspection. A permit may be extended for 180 days if you send a written request to the Building Services Division. The written request should include the permit number, the site address, your name, address and phone number, and the reason for the request. The request should be on the Building Permit Extension Request form. Building Permit Extension Request form

Building permit fees are largely based on the valuation of the proposed structure, the project’s proximity to critical areas and the number of proposed mechanical and plumbing fixtures. View instructions on calculating building permit fees here. instructions on calculating building permit fees

Each project requires a different set of inspections, especially if the project is located in a regulated watershed. Typically, the first inspection you will need to call in for is the preconstruction meeting. The preconstruction meeting is conducted with one of our building inspectors who will respond to you by visiting the site in person or by phone. During the preconstruction meeting the inspector will discuss your required inspections, along with important information about permit conditions that will be required as your project moves toward final occupancy. Learn more about inspection requirements with this printable document. inspection requirements

No, except for the preconstruction meeting. If you are unavailable to be on site for any other inspections you must make provisions to allow for inspector entry (i.e., instructions on where the key is located, etc.). If there are corrections necessary prior to signing off on a particular inspection, a correction notice will be left on site. When an inspection is approved, the appropriate portion of your inspection record will be signed and dated. Note: The inspection record is your permanent record, so don't lose it!

Occupancy and use of the structure begins only after the final inspection has been signed off. You are in violation of code if you occupy the premises prior to that, unless the inspector has granted you temporary occupancy (i.e. approval to habitat the structure subject to a list of outstanding requirements that must be completed prior to final occupancy).

View exceptions to building permit requirements here. If your project is not on this list and you have questions regarding whether or not you need a permit, please call 360-778-5900. exceptions to building permit requirements